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BRISTOL, Ind., May 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With vehicle production backlog levels at all-time highs, Spartan Delivery and Service Vehicles (“Spartan”), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR) — which encompasses the Utilimaster go-to-market brand—receives useful training grants from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), as it continues to add more than 100 team members to its Bristol-based manufacturing operation.

Today, companies that must get their goods into the hands of consumers rely on Utilimaster’s vehicles, customized upfits, and industry-leading safety, ergonomics, and efficiency services to boost driver productivity, increase the value of their routes, and reduce safety-related expenses.

As a result of escalating orders from existing customers, winning new global business, and delivering customer-specific innovations that increase efficiencies and drive down total cost of ownership for large fleets, the Utilimaster brand is experiencing unprecedented success.  While Utilimaster’s continued growth hinges on providing innovative solutions that move the needle for their customers’ businesses, it’s clear that keeping a laser focus on driving operational excellence throughout the business is mission-critical, as production volumes increase.  For Spartan, investing in human capital is a key component to successfully meeting this increased business demand. 

“Our rapid growth is a testament to the value we deliver to our customers, and to the good work we’re doing here every day,” said John Forbes, President, Spartan Delivery and Service Vehicles. “Now in our 44^th year, we’re thrilled to continue to do business and grow in the state of Indiana.  We couldn’t do it without the contributions of our dedicated team members.”

By 2019, the Company plans to bring 147 new jobs to their Bristol, IN campus.  To date, more than 40 employees have been hired toward that goal, in 2016 alone.  Training grants from the IEDC, as well as additional funding from state and local entities help the company ensure high quality and consistent on-boarding and provide necessary ongoing education, which sets employees up for success.

“Indiana’s rich history in automotive manufacturing continues to attract new business and support job creation in today’s economy, helping the Hoosier state earn recognition as a top state for business,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Our automotive industry ranks third in the nation by GDP because of companies like Spartan Motors that serve commercial vehicle needs nationwide. As a state, we are committed to supporting job creators by cutting costs and taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and investing in our hardworking Hoosier workforce, ensuring that Indiana is a state that works for business.”

About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty truck) markets. The Company’s brand names— Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company— are known for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800 associates, and operates facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, South Dakota, Saltillo, Mexico; and Lima, Peru. Spartan reported sales of $550 million in 2015. Visit Spartan Motors at theshyftgroup.com.

Contact:

Russell T. Chick
Corporate Director of Marketing
Spartan Motors, Inc.
517-997-3852

Spartan Motors, Inc.